Soundscape Summer Camp
Give Your Child the Gift of Deep Listening
Soundscape Summer Camp 2027 | Ages 8-13 | Portland, Oregon
June 2027 - August 2027
A transformative experience where children discover the world through sound. Through guided soundwalks, field recording, creative expression, and mindful listening, campers develop skills that enhance awareness, creativity, and well-being for a lifetime.
Why Our Soundscape Camp Is Different
More than just a summer camp - a journey of discovery and mindfulness
Skills That Last
Not just activities - your child learns tangible skills in mindful listening, field recording, and sound awareness that enhance focus, creativity, and emotional well-being.
Sonic Exploration
We explore both soundscapes and sonic environments, teaching campers to appreciate the sonic richness of their surroundings and to connect with nature.
Creative Expression
Through sound art and recording projects, campers express their unique perspectives and leave with a unique sonic creation.
Your Soundscape Journey Package
4-Week Immersive Experience
Our comprehensive program combining education, exploration, and creativity. Campers journey from discovering soundscapes to nature immersion, learning professional field recording and creating community sound art that showcases their discoveries.
$725 per week
- A genuine STEAM experience that builds skills in science, technology, art, and environmental awareness
- Real science, real tools, campers work with professional field recording equipment from day one
- Screen-free and outdoors, with a curriculum grounded in real acoustic ecology research
- An adventurous week that balances hands-on science, creative exploration, and meaningful reflection
- Campers leave with a Sound Ambassador certification and a new way of experiencing the world
- The focus, observation, and collaboration skills campers develop here carry over into school and daily life
Week 1
6/1-6/7
Sound Ambassodor Camp
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Week 2
6/1-6/7
Field Recording Camp
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Week 3
6/1-6/7
Sound Art Camp
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Week 4
6/1-6/7
Sound Design Camp
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A Typical Week at Soundscape Camp
Here's what your child will experience during their week at our camp
Acoustic Awakening
Awakening to Sound
Campers kick off the week by learning the science of how sound waves travel and why different spaces sound the way they do. A campus soundwalk and scavenger hunt put those concepts into practice right away, with campers observing and documenting what they notice like scientists in the field. Sound journals combine drawing and writing to capture first impressions and early data. By the end of day one, campers are already hearing the world around them differently.
Sonic Discovery
The Symphony of Discovery
Grounded in real acoustic ecology research, campers explore how listening affects focus and well-being before learning sound mapping, a technique used by acoustic ecologists and urban planners. They apply that method across campus, then get hands-on with field recording equipment, learning how microphones capture sound as data. The afternoon is spent analyzing and comparing recordings and discussing what each one reveals about its environment.
Nature Immersion
Into the Forest
A full day at Tryon Creek State Natural Area puts ecological science front and center. Campers learn how scientists use acoustic monitoring to measure ecosystem health, practice identifying bird and natural sounds, and work in small groups to document what they find through field recordings. A forest reflection circle closes the day by drawing comparisons between natural and built acoustic environments, and the data campers collect feeds directly into Thursday’s work.
Sound Creation
Becoming Sound Artists
Science meets art as campers dive into sound editing and audio technology. They learn how artists and sound designers layer tracks, shape texture, and adjust dynamics to turn raw recordings into something expressive and intentional. The math of rhythm and frequency comes into play as they experiment with their own material. Each camper then contributes an edited piece to the Community Sound Quilt, a collaborative work that captures the week’s acoustic story.
Community Celebration
Sound Ambassadors
A final reflective soundwalk opens the morning, giving campers a chance to notice how their perception has shifted since day one. Then, families arrive for an afternoon, the campers lead themselves presenting sound art projects, explaining the science and technology behind their work, and guiding families on a campus soundwalk. The week closes with the Community Sound Quilt unveiling and the Sound Ambassador Certification Ceremony.
What Your Child Will Gain
The skills and awareness that extend far beyond our camp
Mindful listening practices strengthen attention and reduce digital overwhelm. Parents consistently report improved focus at home and school.
Understanding how soundscapes affect mood and well-being gives children tools to manage their emotional environment and reduce stress.
Deep appreciation for natural soundscapes inspires lifelong care for the environment and awareness of noise pollution.
Creating sound art builds confidence in self-expression and develops unique artistic skills that complement traditional arts education.
Through collaborative projects, shared discoveries, and small group experiences, campers build genuine friendships rooted in curiosity and creativity that last well beyond the final day of camp.
Sound science, technology, ecology, art, and mathematics blend into engaging, hands-on learning that sparks curiosity about the sonic world.
Your Peace of Mind Matters
We're committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and excellent experience
Expert Facilitators
All staff are experienced outdoor educators with backgrounds in sound, music, or environmental science. Every facilitator is first-aid certified and background checked. Our lead facilitators undergo comprehensive training in our unique curriculum.
Small Group Ratios
We maintain a maximum staff-to-camper ratio of 1:8, ensuring every child receives individual attention and feels supported throughout their journey.
Comprehensive Safety
Full liability insurance, detailed emergency protocols, secure venue partnerships, and daily parent communication. Before and after care available for working parents. All activities are age-appropriate and thoughtfully designed.
Nourishment & Care
A full catered lunch is optional. We are a nut-free camp and mindful of all dietary restrictions and allergies. Every session includes quiet rest time and plenty of water breaks. If you choose the catered lunch option, you only need to pack a reusable water bottle each day.
Stay Connected
Daily photo updates sent to parents. End-of-day pickup includes brief facilitator check-ins. A comprehensive family showcase on the final day lets you see what your child has created and learned.
All Materials Provided
Quality headphones, field recording devices, journals, and all art supplies are provided. Your child just needs to bring comfortable outdoor clothing, a water bottle, and their curiosity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Portland’s rain is part of the beautiful soundscape! We embrace all weather and have indoor backup venues secured for severe conditions. Rain gear guidance is provided before camp, and we teach children to appreciate rain sounds as part of nature’s symphony. Many activities are designed specifically for rainy days.
No prior experience needed! All recording equipment, journals, and materials are provided. We supply quality headphones and field recording devices. Just bring curiosity, comfortable outdoor clothing, a lunch, and a water bottle. We’ll provide a detailed packing list before camp starts.
Our camps offer a full transformative experience with deeper exploration, professional recording techniques, and extensive projects. Both camps are designed for ages 8-13 and adapt activities to different age groups. Feel free to contact us for personalized recommendations based on your child’s age, interests, and experience.
Cancellations more than 30 days before camp receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee. Within 30 days, we offer credit toward future programs. We also offer flexible transfer options between sessions if your plans change.
Standard camp hours are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Before-care (8:30 AM start) and after-care (until 4:30 PM) are available for working parents at a small additional fee. All care includes supervised activities.
We follow current Oregon Health Authority guidelines. Detailed health and safety information is provided before camp begins.
Have more questions? Contact us!
Ready to Transform Your Child's Summer?
Space is limited to 50 campers per session. Join the waitlist to secure your spot in Portland’s most unique summer camp experience.